There will be candlelight tours of the Schuyler House at Saratoga National Historical Park in October/NPS

Saratoga National Historical Park in New York will mark the country's 245th anniversary with a series of events in October.

• October 8 - 9: Path Through History Siege of Saratoga historical encampment event at the Schuyler House Estate. The Encampment will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. 

• October 10: “So great a carnage”: The Battle of Bemus Heights at the visitor center

• October 12: Candlelight Tours at the Schuyler House from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations required through the link at https://go.nps.gov/candlelighttours.

• October 16: Special ranger program on the Convention of Saratoga and Surrender at the Sword Surrender Site.

“We are eager to welcome everyone to Saratoga National Historical Park for these fun and educational events in October, the first encampment and Candlelight Tours in the park since 2019,” said Superintendent Leslie Morlock. “They are a wonderful opportunity to learn about what life was like for the people who participated in the world-changing events that happened right here in Saratoga County in October 1777!”

In coordination with the Saratoga County 250th Commission and the National Park Service, the public is invited to take a stroll back in time with the Noble 24th, a British unit stationed at the park. This encampment is a representation of the British Encampment during the retreat and Siege of Saratoga (October 8-17, 1777).

• Encampment will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

• Artillery demonstrations by the recreated 2nd Regiment of Continental Artillery

• Schuyler House Open House, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• 18th Century military medicine presentations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday only

• Chat with an Army Follower, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Visit the Saratoga County 250th Commission Tent for information on Saratoga National Historical Park, the Battles of Saratoga, the County 250th Commission, upcoming 250th commemorations and a special exhibit honoring men who fell during the Siege of Saratoga. The Saratoga County 250th Commission was created by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to help plan ceremonies, events, activities, and celebrations that recognize the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Saratoga County.

"The Saratoga County 250th Commission is excited to partner with the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Noble 24th for this great fall event," said Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, chair of the 250th Commission. "This event exemplifies one of the commission's top priorities, which is promoting education through living history, and to bring the public to the actual ground where history happened, makes this event even more engaging for all."

You'll be able to experience the ambiance of an 18th century house in the evening with a special candlelight tour through the Schuyler House. This event is presented in coordination with the Old Saratoga Historical Association. Tour will be held Wednesday, October 12, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Visitors should be aware that the candlelight tours are low light and may make walking through the house challenging. Capacity limits will be in effect for safety and protection of visitors and the historic resource. Groups will be led through the house and hear stories of the house and its inhabitants along the way. Reservations are required and can be obtained through this link. 

The Schuyler House was part of a working estate that was owned by the Schuyler family from 1702-1837. The current house was built in 1777 by General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804), a significant figure in the American War for Independence and early U.S. politics, in late 1777 after his previous home was burned by retreating British soldiers. It was not only home to generations of the Schuyler family, but to those enslaved by the family and whose forced labor provided the basis for much of the family’s wealth.   

Two special Ranger Programs will mark important dates in October:

• Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will provide an overview of the Second Battle of Saratoga on Monday, October 10, at 1 pm in the Visitor Center in Stillwater.
• On Sunday, October 16, at 1 p.m., a ranger will discuss the surrender ceremony and the Convention of Saratoga at the Sword Surrender Site, on mile south of Schuylerville on Route 4. Visitors should be aware that parking at the Sword Surrender site is very limited, and carpooling is highly encouraged.

Saratoga National Historical Park preserves, protects, and interprets the sites associated with the battles, siege, and surrender of the British forces at Saratoga. The park encompasses five sites, including the Saratoga Battlefield, General Philip Schuyler’s House, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Monument, and Sword Surrender Site totaling 3,579 acres.  

To learn more about the Revolutionary War battles at Saratoga, download the Traveler's podcast with Ranger Eric Schnitzer.